<h6><strong>Eduardo González</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The People's Party (PP) Parliamentary Group in Congress has called for Spain's participation in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States' Independence through an Interministerial Commission chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</strong></h4> In a non-legislative motion presented on October 3 for debate in the Foreign Affairs Committee and published this week by the Official Gazette of the Cortes Generales (BOCG), the PP recalls that 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, "a founding event of the first modern constitutional democracy" in which "Spain played a significant role," providing "political, military, and economic support to the Thirteen Colonies in their struggle for freedom." According to the People's Party, "the Hispanic imprint on American history and society is profound, from the explorers and missionaries who traveled across the continent to the presence of cities, traditions, and a common language that endures to this day." "With more than 60 million Spanish speakers, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, constituting a cultural space of enormous significance," it adds. "This historic relationship, which has experienced difficult times, has been consolidated in the second half of the 20th century and in the 21st century as a strategic alliance within the framework of NATO, bilateral cooperation in defense and security, and growing economic, educational, scientific, and technological ties," it continues. The PP also emphasizes that the United States is "one of Spain's main trading and investment partners, and both countries share future challenges." "Strengthening this bilateral bond also contributes to strengthening the transatlantic relationship as a whole, both within the framework of the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance," affirms the party led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo. According to the People's Party, the United States has formally invited Spain to participate in the commemoration of this anniversary through the America250 organization. The Spanish Embassy in Washington and the consulates general are already in contact with this organization and plan to organize numerous joint activities with American counterparts throughout 2026, "highlighting our shared historical legacy and reinforcing Spain's international presence." "This anniversary therefore constitutes a unique opportunity to strengthen the Atlantic bond and project into the future a relationship that transcends political situations and specific governments, founded on shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, and the defense of a rules-based international order," the People's Party asserts. "It is also an ideal moment to strengthen the promotion of the Spanish language, intensify academic and scientific cooperation, and open new avenues for economic and cultural collaboration." To achieve this, "it is essential that there be adequate institutional coordination and that Spain participate with the visibility and relevance it deserves," it adds. For all these reasons, the non-legislative proposal urges the government to "formally establish an Interministerial Commission to coordinate Spain's participation in the commemorative events of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, under the presidency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, and with the participation of the Ministries of Defense, Culture and Sports, Education, and the Presidency." It also proposes the development of a cultural and academic program during 2026, in collaboration with America250, "that highlights the Hispanic influence in the United States and strengthens cooperation between universities and cultural institutions in both countries" and, in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes and Acción Cultural Española, the promotion and dissemination of the Spanish language and culture in the United States."
